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6. Write articles and free reports. Writing short articles on Internet Business and Web Development is a great way to get your name out and generate new clients. You can submit articles to your local print media, Chamber of Commerce, and business publications. You can also syndicate this content online for online publications and websites. One short article can go a long way in generating new business.
7. Focus on a niche. By narrowing your focus it will be much easier for you to find new web design clients. It's tough to be everything to everybody. Look at your existing client base and think about
industries your best clients come from. Pinpoint
best two or three and then focus your effort to only those types of businesses. It's easy to get leads for specific industries from list brokers such as Info USA (http://infousa.com) and others. You can then contact similar businesses and let them know you specialize in creating websites just for their type of business. Tell them about
specific tools you can install to help their business increase profits, save money, and gain an advantage over their competitors.
8. Smile and dial. Telemarketing can be a great way to find new business clients when done properly. The best way to do it is to start with a free offer that will help you qualify
lead. For example, if you create a community directory, you can then simply call
businesses in
directory and let them know they are entitled to a free listing. This will give you an opportunity to chat with them and see what their needs are. You can then email or fax them a brief form asking for a description of their business to post on
community website. Let them know when it's up and then send them full details on your web development services. From there it will be easy to set an appointment.
9. Send postcards. Direct mail using postcards can be a very effective and cheap way to get
word out about your services. If you use full color postcards you can even showcase screen-shots of some of
sites you've designed. Always offer some type of free offer on
postcard, such as a "FREE Website Analysis," "FREE Search Engine Readiness Review," etc. in order
increase response.
10. Follow up. Follow up. Follow up. There is an old adage in marketing that says it takes at least seven contacts before a prospect will purchase. This is as true in selling web design services as it is with anything else. No matter what marketing tactics you use, remember that you must relentlessly follow up with people that have expressed
need for your services. If you keep in touch, a good percentage will eventually become clients.
There you have it, ten of
best ways to find new clients and increase your Web Development business this year. But remember, none of them will work unless you use them. So stop fiddling with your computer and get marketing!

Tom Mulkern OnNet Web Hosting (http://onnethosting.com) provides high-speed web hosting services, featuring 50% discounts for Web Designers and Resellers. They also publish the email newsletter, "Marketing For Web Developers." For a FREE subscription, send an email message to: mwd-request@onnethosting.com, or visit http://onnethosting.com/mwd.html.